Do you look in the mirror and say to yourself: "I look fat" or " my arms as so flabby", or "look at my stomach" ?

If the answer is yes, the first issue you have to deal with is a self esteem issue.

Many people -- especially women -- tend to see themselves as being larger than they actually are.

The good news is that with some mental exercises, you can change your attitude and self beliefs and start leading a healthier life, eating healthy food, and exercising more.

So how do you do that ?

Start by writing down a list of everything you dislike about yourself, and one of all the things you do like about yourself. Your bound to have a nice list on both ends.

Now take the list of things you dislike about yourself, and turn it into a positive statement. E.g. I never succeed in eating healthily for more than a few weeks should become, I can eat healthily for the rest of my life.

Now keep this list, combined to the list of things you already liked about yourself close to hand, and read it every day morning and evening.

Visualize the full list of items, and see how you achieve and do everything you like in the list. For instance, I do eat the right portions of food. Visualize yourself pouring a bowl of cereal that represents the right amount, and feel that you're actually not hungry anymore after eating it.

Visualize yourself in the shape you want to be. Remember though, you can't change your body shape totally, if you do have a wide bone structure, you might never be stick slim. So if your pelvis is large, yes, you can reduce the "padding" around it, but you can't change your bone structure.  So do stay realistic !

Now do write down what your plan is to achieve and implement every item on your new list. And also write down what you've done already to achieve the items on your list.

And remember to celebrate every little step you make to a better you, on the way. No, not by eating the chocolate cake, but celebrate it by going to by a new smaller pair of trousers, or go for a manicure/pedicure, or a massage, or anything else that makes you feel good about yourself.

Once you're on the way to a new you, try never to look back to the past. The important thing is what you do today, and the new you, you are building.

Our mind is prone to replay the past, and make you feel that you missed out, or done something bad. Don't give in. Forget about the past when it comes to weight loss. This is a new you, and you are moving forward.

But as much as you want to be the ideal you, don't dream too far ahead, just go one day at the time, and slowly get there.

This whole process is very important, as I do have clients who have lost quite a lot of weight, and they are still not happy with their new body. They aren't happy, mainly because they haven't internalised their new image yet.

If you work on the mental side, and accept your changes one day at the time, it will be much easier to accept the new you, once you have reached your final goals.

If you need help talking it over and creating your list, setting goals, and developing a new you by adopting a healthy lifestyle, combining exercise, healthy eating habits, and building a positive self image, contact me now, Anne Iarchy, Personal Trainer Barnet, on 07880627944 or email me at anne@barnetpersonaltrainer.co.uk